Portable Circular Knitting Needle Holder Kit

ABSTRACT

A portable knitting needle holder kit for storing and carrying knitting accessories is disclosed. The kit comprises a first linear sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and an opposing left and right side edges. At least one sheet is fixed to the bottom edge and along the top surface of the first linear sheet to form at least one pocket having an opening arranged at the top edge. The pocket is covered with at least one pocket cover that fixed above the opening. The kit further includes a second linear sheet having an anchoring means. The anchoring means fixes the second linear sheet around the first linear sheet when the first linear sheet is rolled up into a cylinder shape and tied using the anchoring means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a holder for knitting accessories, and more particularly to a portable knitting needle holder kit which has the improved ability to organize and transport circular knitting needles having a linear series of pockets with a cover for storing the knitting accessories.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Bags, boxes, purses, totes, carriers, and the like are mostly used to store and carry knitting accessories. In most instances, the users find it difficult to store and carry the needles from place to place without poking the user carrying them. However, the conventional boxes contain needle holders that tend to be very bulky and cumbersome to carry. Various means and methods have been devised for storing knitting needles by placing them in hollow cases with no retaining cushions. This allows free movement of the needles resulting in their entangling with various notions and knitting accessories users also need to carry.

One particular problem which owners of knitting equipment face is how to store and carry circular knitting needles. These are comprised of kitting needles connected by cords or cables. They are particularly difficult to store. They are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and lengths. Unless separated out, it is neither easy to distinguish variation in size, nor where one begins and another ends. A typical user may have 15 of these items all tangled together in a shoe box or other container, and when a particular needle is needed must find and remove one specific size from the pile inside the container. This storage method is an inefficient use of time, space, and is not well suited for traveling.

Other common current storage methods for circular knitting needles include Zip-up book binders with the needles separated and stored in several plastic sleeves. This is not a satisfactory method because the needles constantly fall out of the sleeves and the binders are cumbersome for travel.

Another method used to put the circular knitting needles in expanding portable files, with needles separated and inserted into file pockets. This is not a good solution because if the file is tipped over, the needles fall out and this system is also cumbersome for travel.

Some persons use zip-up plastic food storage bags, but they are difficult to stack and carry, and the needles tend to break out of them because of their sharp points. Rolling circular needles up in ordinary fabric pouches or paint brush holders does not work either because of there is a limited needle capacity, the needles easily spill out, and the user must remove each item first in order to see the pouch contents.

A number of patents have tried to address the problem of storing and carrying ordinary knitting needles. one relevant art device, taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,743 issued to Dellamar on Feb. 12, 2002, provides a sewing needle organizer system for storing and organizing threaded needles for cross-stitch projects. The sewing needle organizer system includes a batting member used for providing a cushioned barrier for safely holding a point of a needle, a covering member enveloping the batting member and supporting the sewing needle when the needle is inserted through the covering member and into the batting member. A backing member provides rigidity to the sewing needle organizer system, and a front member is coupled to the backing member such that the batting member and the covering member are substantially enveloped by the backing member and the front member. This system is really a type of pin cushion which is not applicable to large knitting needles which cannot easily use a batting member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,054 issued to Jons on Apr. 23, 1991 discloses a portable method for storing needlecraft accessories such as embroidery floss of different varieties and colors. The method requires a special tool to facilitate storage of embroidery floss into the pockets. Such a method does not prevent the knitting needles from falling out accidentally from the elongated cavity. This method further limits the number and types of needles that can be carried.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,430 issued to Kuwabara on Aug. 24, 1999 discloses a holder for sewing needles with thread that includes a reel having an end plate and a winding member for winding the thread. The holder further includes a retaining member, such as a pin cushion, for positioning each needle relative to the end plate. The holder also has a base for supporting the reel for rotational movement. The base is formed with an upright wall enclosing but spaced from the winding member to provide a clearance between the upright wall and the winding member. The upright wall is formed with a slit through which the thread of the needle is brought into the above-mentioned clearance while the reel is rotated. Such a holder is quite complex in construction and if scaled up in size to fit knitting needles be too large, cumbersome and bulky to quickly and efficiently deploy and use within relatively small working spaces. In addition, this type of holder cannot store circular and double pointed needles.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 20060283768 filed by Schriner on Jun. 14, 2006 describes a needlecraft tote carrier appropriate for storage. More specifically, the carrier provides specialized compartments for receiving yarn, instructions or instruction manuals, needles, crochet hooks and a main compartment for receiving the project. The yarn pockets can include a closure member for securing the yarn pocket. The carrier can also comprise at least one pocket, or a plurality of pockets for receiving writing utensils, crochet hooks, scissors, tape measures, cable hooks, stitch markers, stitch holders, needle caps, cellular phones or other notions. However, the carrier cannot incorporate more pockets in accordance with requirement of the user. The carrier is typically made of an opaque material, and is not configured to allow the user to identify the needle or accessories they require while they are still in the holder.

Therefore, there is a need for a portable knitting needle holder kit that would be inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use and carry. Further, there is a need for such a device which would include a plurality of pockets with at least one pocket cover for preventing the circular knitting needles, double pointed needles and various notions or accessories from falling out when carrying them. Such a needed device also must be adapted to store and carry knitting needles from place to place without poking or injuring the user carrying them. Further, there is a need for such a device to be able to be rolled and tied when not in use thereby preventing the knitting needles from falling out accidentally. Moreover, there is a need for such a kit which would allow the user to easily see what is in each pocket before removing its contents for use. Further, there is a need for a kit which conceals the contents when it is closed and being transported from place to place by the user. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a portable knitting needle holder kit for storing and carrying knitting accessories comprised of a first linear sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and opposing left and right side edges. The opposing left and right side edges are arranged perpendicular to the top edge and the bottom edge. At least one sheet is fixed to the bottom edge and along the top surface of the first linear sheet to form at least one pocket having an opening arranged at the top edge. In the preferred embodiment, at least one pocket is covered with at least one pocket cover that can be fixed above the opening by an attachment means that is selected from a group consisting of a Velcro, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper and the like.

The kit further comprises a second linear sheet having an anchoring means. The first linear sheet is affixed at a middle portion of the second linear sheet by an attachment means. The anchoring means fixes and ties the second linear sheet around the first linear sheet when the first linear sheet is rolled up into a cylinder shape. The anchoring means is selected from the group consisting of a ribbon, a Velcro, a wire, a rope, a cord, a chain, a strap, a cable, an adhesive, and combinations thereof.

The first linear sheet and the pocket cover include a band of material along a peripheral edge thereof. The band of material provides strength to the pocket and a decorative border around the peripheral edge of the first linear sheet. The portable knitting needle holder kit can be used to store both circular knitting needles and double pointed needles, as well as additional accessories required for knitting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating a kit when a first linear sheet is completely unrolled showing a top surface holding at least one pocket;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating the kit when the first linear sheet is completely unrolled showing a bottom surface holding the at least one pocket;

FIG. 3 is a close-up cut-away view of the invention, illustrating a portion of the first linear sheet of the kit when the first linear sheet is completely unrolled, showing the top surface holding at least one pocket;

FIG. 4 is a close-up cut-away view of the invention, illustrating a portion of the first linear sheet of the kit when the first linear sheet is completely unrolled, showing the top surface holding pockets with several of the pocket covers open and one pocket cover closed;

FIG. 5 is a close-up cut-away view of the invention, illustrating a portion of the first linear sheet of the kit when the first linear sheet is completely unrolled showing the bottom surface holding pockets with a plurality of pocket covers open ready to fold over onto the top surface (not visible);

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating the kit with the first linear sheet still rolled up and the second linear sheet completely unrolled;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention, illustrating the kit with the first linear sheet still rolled up and the second linear sheet partially unrolled;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention as it is beginning to be unrolled; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention rolled up and tied by an anchoring means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of a portable knitting needle holder kit 10 for storing and carrying knitting accessories. The preferred embodiment being indicated generally at 10 comprised of a first linear sheet 20 of a flexible material that is longer in the horizontal dimension than the vertical dimension. The first linear sheet 20 comprises a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22 (Shown on FIG. 2), a top edge 25, a bottom edge 26 and opposing left and right side edges 23, 24. The opposing left and right side edges 23, 24 are arranged perpendicular to the top edge 25 and the bottom edge 26. In the preferred embodiment, at least one sheet 30 is fixed to the bottom edge 26 and along the top surface 21 of the first linear sheet 20 to form at least one top surface pocket 32 having an opening 34 arranged at the top edge 25. At least one top surface pocket 32 is covered with at least one pocket cover 36 that may be fixed above the opening 34 by an attachment means. The first linear sheet 20 is arranged so as to provide at least one pocket 32 on the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 (Shown in FIG. 2). In the preferred embodiment at least one bottom pocket 32 on the bottom surface 22 of the first linear sheet 20 is devoid of a pocket cover (As shown in FIG. 2), but the bottom pocket 32 is sealed to the bottom surface 22 when the pocket cover 36 on the top surface 21 is closed (See FIG. 1).

The current preferred embodiment uses a second linear sheet 40 that is generally rectangular in shape having an anchoring means 42 to keep the kit closed after rolling it up. The first linear sheet 20 is affixed at a middle portion 44 of the second linear sheet 40 by an attachment means (not shown) such as by sewing, gluing, etc. The anchoring means 42 fixes and ties the second linear sheet 40 around the first linear sheet 20 when the first linear sheet 20 is rolled up into a cylindrical shape.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up cut-away view of a portion of the first linear sheet of the portable knitting needle holder kit 10 when the first linear sheet 20 is completely unrolled showing the top surface 21 holding at least one top surface pocket 32. The first linear sheet 20 includes a band of material along a peripheral edge 60 thereof. The band of material anchors and provides strength to the pockets 32 and a decorative border around the peripheral edge 60 of the first linear sheet 20. At least one pocket 32 may be sealed by a pocket cover 36 affixed above and folded over the opening 34 by an attachment means that is selected from a group consisting of a Velcro, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, or similar means. The pocket cover 36 includes a band of material that provides a decorative border and strength along the peripheral edge 70 thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up cut-away view of a portion of the first linear sheet of the portable knitting needle holder kit 10 when the first linear sheet 20 is completely unrolled showing the top surface 21 with at least one pocket cover 36 open. At least one pocket 32 is covered with at least one pocket cover 36 that may be fixed above the opening 34 by an attachment means. The attachment means is selected from a group consisting of a Velcro, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, or similar means.

FIG. 5 is a close-up cut-away view of a portion of the first linear sheet of the portable knitting needle holder kit 10 when the first linear sheet 20 is completely unrolled showing the bottom surface 22 holding a bottom surface pocket 32 with at least one pocket cover 36 that can be folded over onto the top surface open. At least one bottom surface pocket 32 is made of flexible plastic material. In the preferred embodiment top and bottom surface pocket 32 is transparent on both the bottom surface 22 and top surface 21 (Not shown) so as to allow the user to identify the desired knitting accessories which are visible through the transparent kit 10 when the kit 10 is unrolled. The kit 10 has the unique advantage of being able to store both circular knitting needles and double pointed needles in a convenient manner.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show the preferred embodiment for the invention, that being indicated generally at 10 which can be rolled and kept closed by a closure means when not in use. The first linear sheet 20 is rolled into a cylindrical shape and the second linear sheet 40 is then wrapped around the first linear sheet 20. The current preferred embodiment shown uses an anchoring means 42 for anchoring the second linear sheet 40 around the first linear sheet 20. The anchoring means 42 is shown as a ribbon, but could be selected from the group consisting of a ribbon, a Velcro, a wire, a rope, a cord, a chain, a strap, a cable, a re-useable adhesive, or similar means or combinations thereof.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the portable knitting needle holder kit 10 may incorporate a plurality of pockets for storing the knitting accessories and may use wall attachment clips for hanging the kit. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

1. A portable knitting needle holder kit for storing and carrying knitting accessories comprising: a first linear sheet of flexible material having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposing left and right side edges, the opposing left and right side edges being perpendicular to the top edge and the bottom edge; at least one sheet affixed to the bottom edge and along the top surface of the first linear sheet to form at least one pocket having an opening arranged at the top edge on the top surface; at least one pocket cover fixed above the opening to cover at least one pocket; a second linear sheet having an anchoring means, the first linear sheet being anchored at a middle portion of the second linear sheet by an anchoring means; an attachment means to affix the second linear sheet around the first linear sheet when the first linear sheet is rolled up into a cylindrical shape.
 2. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the first linear sheet is longer in horizontal dimension than vertical dimension.
 3. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the second linear sheet is generally rectangular in shape.
 4. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the at least one pocket cover may be fixed above the opening of the at least one pocket by an attachment means.
 5. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the attachment means for the pocket is selected from a group consisting of a Velcro, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, a string, or a re-useable adhesive means.
 6. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein at least one sheet is affixed to the bottom edge and along the bottom surface of the first linear sheet to form at least one pocket having an opening arranged at the top edge on the bottom surface so as to provide at least one pocket on the bottom surface.
 7. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 6 wherein a plurality of pockets having openings at the top edge are formed on the bottom surface of the linear sheet.
 8. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 6 wherein at least one pocket cover for a pocket on the top surface is formed by extending one edge of the sheet affixed to the bottom surface so as to form a pocket cover which closes the top surface pocket on the opposite side when the pocket cover is folded over onto the top surface.
 9. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the first linear sheet is arranged so as to provide at least one pocket on the top surface.
 10. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the first linear sheet is arranged so as to provide at least one pocket on the bottom surface and at least one pocket on the top surface.
 11. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the first linear sheet includes a band of material affixed by an attachment means along a peripheral edge thereof.
 12. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 11 wherein the band of material provides strength to at least one pocket border around the peripheral edge of the first linear sheet.
 13. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein at least one pocket cover includes a band of material that provides a decorative border along a peripheral edge thereof.
 14. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the anchoring means for the second linear sheet is selected from the group consisting of sewing it on, an adhesive, spot welding, welding, or combinations thereof.
 15. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein at least one pocket is made of plastic material.
 16. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 15 wherein at least one of the pockets is made of a clear or see through material.
 17. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein a plurality of pockets is formed having openings at the top edge.
 18. The portable knitting needle holder kit of claim 1 wherein the attachment means to affix the second linear sheet around the first linear sheet when the first linear sheet is rolled up into a cylindrical shape is selected from the group consisting of a ribbon, a Velcro, a string, a wire, a rope, a cord, a chain, a strap, a cable, or combinations thereof.
 19. A method of storing and carrying knitting accessories in a portable knitting needle holder kit, the method comprising: a. unrolling a first linear sheet after untying the anchoring means; b. opening at least one pocket cover above at least one pocket; c. placing knitting accessories into at least one pocket; d. closing any or all pocket covers; e. rolling the first linear sheet into a cylindrical shape; f. covering the first linear sheet with a second linear sheet wrapped around the first linear sheet; and g. attaching the second linear sheet around the first linear sheet by an attachment means.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the attachment means for the second linear sheet is selected from the group consisting of a ribbon, a Velcro, a wire, a rope, a string, a cord, a chain, a strap, a cable, or combinations thereof. 